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Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

Hi! Can I join?

Sure!

Wow okay I started this and am almost finished within a day???
My updates are loooong sorry about that, I'm just trying to keep the info straight lol

Ch 4
(view spoiler)[Okay just to keep it clear for myself, magic is apparently illegal and only seems to come from the weird black vein illness? Already can’t wait to learn how that illness comes to be etc. Still have to get used to Nightmare, it seems really odd so far and I’m a bit confused bc it feels like we’re dropped into the middle of the story? Magic can only legally be done through certain cards - which I don’t understand yet - and her father has given her up because she had the illness to live with her cousin’s family. Thought I might like her cousin but not sure yet.

It reminds me of a mix between Cinderella and red riding hood so far, it seems to have elements of both. So she ‘took’ the nightmare from its card - I’m guesing she activated it? She said herself that if you use a card for too long it’ll have dire consequences, so I’m guessing that’s what happening to her? Hope that’s not all there is to it. Don’t trust it at all though, I’m sure that it’ll be able to take her over more the more she uses it, the black spreading.

Her uncle pinched the nightmare card of some highwayman, that’s definitely the one who knew something was up of the 2 that were ‘attacking’ her in the woods! Ah so maybe all the cards have become personalized and these 12 persons have to ge together to stop the mist? Or so I’m guessing. And that’s probably the illness too, the cards becoming people who then get killed before they can fulfill their destiny? Blunder basically means mistake in my language so I can’t stand the name of her village lol. Sorry lots of thoughts but I’m trying to keep the info straight. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 10
(view spoiler)[The scene with Emory was really odd, but I can’t help but think that they were the men in the woods - especially Ravyn!! Thought they’d be the princes, but it indeed seems like it’s them idk. Ione is definitely going to go down damn, can’t believe the prince would give her the maiden card to make her prettier, what a dick.

Omg Ravyn is the second nightmare!!! Yay, I already love him. I knew it was him in the woods hehe!! Damn so Elm was with him, didn’t expect it to be the prince. Their scythe cards sound terrible omg, they can make you do anything? Damn.

I’m guessing they’re hunting for the cards bc they don’t want the king to get them? Idk. I don’t trust either of the princes but I do think Elm isn’t evil? Shit she used the maiden card and will marry that dick Hauth shiiiiiiit. I do think Emory is a card or something, there’s definitely something off about him. The person she saw in her nightmare - that was the person who the nightmare first was, and since they said the monster = the king = the girl, I’m guessing that was the shepherd king? He became the monster? She’s also the monster so idk. (hide spoiler)]

Part 2
(view spoiler)[Why is she so convinced that she can absorb cards, she has only absorbed the Nightmare and I still think that has a different reason, so why would she think that’s her power?🙄🙄 her mother was infected too, I wonder what her power was. As soon as she mentioned the trees, I was sure that Nerium will burn them down. The mirror card seems useful, someone is definitely going to eavesdrop on her with it. I hope I’m wrong.

I freaking hate Elm ugh he sucks. So they’re doing it to save Emory - I don’t trust them at all. Who’s to say they won’t sacrifice her instead?? Omg Emory can read people! I still don’t trust Alyx idk why. And Ravyn is infected too holy shit!! Since the chapter started with a saying of how the person who created the cards can’t use them, it kinda sounds like he’s the one who created them?? Can’t freaking wait. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 22
(view spoiler)[Dammit the window is clearly important, it’s literally the title of the book - just freaking go in there already!!! I think I’ll like Jespyr. The nightmare is such a dick, making her fall of a horse?? I still hate it & can’t wait for it to be gone, but I know it’s going to be trouble. I completely forgot everything about the cards already lmao, what did the well and the iron gate do again?🤣 Love Ravyn man pff.

Man that was intense, I definitely hate Hauth. Is she actually surprised that the nightmare is silent around Ravyn??? He said himself that he can’t use cards basically so of course hers is silent then too?? Fuck Ione has indeed changed :( I think Hauth treats her terrible too - I just hope she won’t tell him about Elsbeth’s wrist… loving Ravyn still, happy sigh. (hide spoiler)]

Part 3 the blood
(view spoiler)[The room is clearly where all the cards have to meet then? THEY KISSED WOOHOO!! Loved it. Argh don’t run away from him, poor Ravyn :(

The Nightmare is indeed the king - no surprise there at all. Did think Ravyn would be him too lol so that’s confusing. The monster is indeed growing stronger every time she uses it, and I’m honestly quite sick of it already, can it just be gone? It’s taking so long & nothing is really happening dammit. I like it but it’s a bit too dragged out for me. It surprises me that the nightmare actually wants her to tell Ravyn, I’d expect him to want to keep its presence a secret🤔

She almost told him dammit, just do it 😭 Holy fuck I didn’t expect such a steamy scene, LOVED it!!!! (hide spoiler)]

I hope youve enjoyed it 😊 I'm going to start on tge weekrnd and am excited to read your thoughts.

I think I did! Not sure yet until I write my review and put my thoughts in order haha. Sounds good, looking forward to it!

I started yesterday and only had time for one chapter, but I wanted to keep listening, it's already super interesting. Hopefully I'll have some time today to really get into it!

Danique wrote: "Wow okay I started this and am almost finished within a day???
My updates are loooong sorry about that, I'm just trying to keep the info straight lol

Ch 4
Okay just to keep it clear for myself, ma..."

(view spoiler)[I'm so glad you wrote this down lol I'm listening to the audio and it's even more difficult to understand all the details of the magic. I kept thinking I missed something. It's really intriguing, but really complicated, too. (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Ch 10
...."

(view spoiler)[I love Ravyn, too! I (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Part 2
Why is she so convinced that she can absorb cards, she has only absorbed the Nightmare and I still think that has a different reason, so why would she think that’s her power?🙄🙄 her mother wa..."

(view spoiler)['m not sure about Elm, yet - how does he fit in with everyone? Why would he support them against his own family? He is mysterious, and a really interesting character. I guess the use of his card is affecting his personality?
I'm also suspicious - who are they going to sacrifice? Why didn't Elspeth ask who they had in mind? I have a horrible suspicion that it's going to be Ione (or however you spell her cousin's name) (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Wow okay I started this and am almost finished within a day???
My updates are loooong sorry about that, I'm just trying to keep the info straight lol

Ch 4
Okay just to keep it clea..."

Ahaha yeah I had to try and keep it all straight XD Glad it helped for you too!

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Part 2
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah it's kind of odd that he'd just go against his family tbh, I don't think that really gets explained well? I didn't even think about the card affecting his personality, but that can definitely be true! Omg no I hope it won't be Ione! (hide spoiler)]

Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished
(view spoiler)[Holy SHIT THE CHALICE!! Fuck that was intense. I love Ione, even though she’s clearly losing herself, she’s still also the same person bc she’s still helping Bess :’) can’t believe Hauth did that though holy shit, and Ravyn heard the monster in her head omg. At least she’ll finally tell them. She did tell him she loves him tho, even though she didn’t want to yet :’) I can’t believe her uncle told them omg.

Kinda sad that Hauth isn’t dead lol but that was BRUTAL!!! Shit man. And now the monster has become her, at least it’s sort of good I guess bc it does want to help Ravyn & it also seems like it has been protecting children for a while? He just hates the Rowans and I know he won’t give the king the card - I truly can’t wait to see where the story will go from here, although I do hate that it won’t really be Elspeth? I hate reading books that don’t have a sequel yet🤣🤣 (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Ch 22
..."

(view spoiler)[I'm the same about the cards - what is what again?! I can remember the Mirror, the Maiden, the Scythe and the Nightmare, but I have no clue about the rest.
Ione has changed, but I'm glad that she doesn't support Hauth. At least it seems like she might still be an ally for Elspeth. And is there something between her and Elm, maybe? I loved that we got some background for him - poor guy.
Ravyn is awesome!

I didn't get much time to listen on audio this week, but everytime I do pick it up, I end up listening much longer than I meant to. I think the pacing is perfect, we get some clues in every chapter so it doesn't drag, but there are still so many questions! (hide spoiler)]

I've finally started this and really loving it, so far! Im 10% in now 😊

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Ch 22
..."

I'm the same about the cards - what is what again?! I can remember the Mirror, the Maiden, the Scythe and the Nightmare, but I have no clue about the rest.
Ione has ch..."

I truly still don’t know what they mean 🤣 (view spoiler)[I’m also really glad that Ione still seems like an ally, even though she’ll probably never be herself again :( I didn’t even think about her and Elm, but I’d love that!!

I agree, the pacing is perfect, and the mystery and suspense is great!! (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "I've finally started this and really loving it, so far! Im 10% in now 😊"

Glad you’re enjoying it so far! I really ended up liking it too :)

i started this a couple days ago and finished yesterday but never uploaded my thoughts, oops! doing that now!

15% (view spoiler)[well…elspeth tried to make ione see reason (hide spoiler)]

18% (view spoiler)[it’s kinda hard to trust nightmare with a name like that. kinda like how the darkling ended up being the bad guy… (hide spoiler)]

41% (view spoiler)[lolll they’re already getting mistaken for an actual couple (hide spoiler)]

60% (view spoiler)[THEY’RE KISSING (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[“can i kiss you?”
my voice shook. “a bit late to ask, isn’t it?”
“not on your mouth, elspeth.”

OMGGGG (hide spoiler)]

done
i thought this book was really interesting! and with the way it ended, i’m super eager for the sequel!

Danique wrote: "Part 2"

(view spoiler)[lol i didn’t even think of that but yeah you’re right, it’s weird she’d think she can absorb all when it’s only been one (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished "

lol, i hate waiting for sequels too, but i’m so bad at finishing series in a timely manner that it doesn’t really matter anyway💀

Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished
."

(view spoiler)[Wow, so many turns! I love how this book times both the romance and the mystery perfectly. The Shepherd king is an ancestor of Ravyn, right? I guess he was going to protect them anyway. I think that everyone is wrong about the mist, that there is something that only the Shepherd king understands so far.

I totally agree, I want to keep reading! When is the sequel coming out again??? (hide spoiler)]

akacya ❦ wrote: "18% [spoilers removed]"

Lmao right?? The name makes it impossible XD

akacya ❦ wrote: "75% [spoilers removed]"

I know, that was so good :')

akacya ❦ wrote: "Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished "

lol, i hate waiting for sequels too, but i’m so bad at finishing series in a timely manner that it doesn’t really matter anyway💀"

That's very relatable XD

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished
."
[spoilers removed]

Yess I agree! Just perfect. (view spoiler)[Woah what, I didn't realize he was an ancestor of Ravyn lmao, but that makes sense indeed! Fits with my theories :P No clue, but I hope it's soon, before I forget everything lol (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Wow okay I started this and am almost finished within a day???
My updates are loooong sorry about that, I'm just trying to keep the info straight lol

Ch 4
Okay just to keep it clear for myself, ma..."

Loving your detailed thoughts! (view spoiler)[ The book seemed simple and straightforward (I mean that in a good way) and yet was actually really dense. Laying out all the facts like made me realize how complicated the magic system was, even though it never really read like that. I totally felt the fairy tale vibes too, with the atmosphere and sinister undertones. (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Ch 10
...."

(view spoiler)[Witnessing Ione using the Maiden card actually made me so sad. I was so rooting for her character but using it had already started to corrupt her character. When her features became so enhanced that Elspeth started to forget how she originally looked I kinda got the feeling that she couldn't be saved. (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Ch 10
...."

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Ravyn was so immediately likable. I love seeing him team up with Elspeth. (hide spoiler)]

akacya ❦ wrote: "15% [spoilers removed]"

I really hoped she would succeed. I originally liked her character...

akacya ❦ wrote: "18% [spoilers removed]"

You are definitely not wrong there!

Danique wrote: "Part 2
..."

(view spoiler)[I was also convinced that she had the wrong read of her abilities. I don't believe Nightmare is what she thinks it is but have no theories about what is really occurring with her.

I kinda like Elm... He is harsh and difficult but I long to see him thaw. Idk, I'm hoping he's one of the good guys, even if I don't truly trust their plan either. I hope they don't trade Elspeth! (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Part 2
Why is she so convinced that she can absorb cards, she has only absorbed the Nightmare and I still think that has a different reason, so why would she think that’s her power?..."

(view spoiler)[Elm is a super interesting character and I don't like him but I do, somehow, want to trust him and his intentions. I didn't guess that Ione would be the new sacrifice but knew it wasn't going to be to Elsepth's liking as the author didn't make her question it sooner. I guessed the truth would be revealed when it was too late for her to exit their plan though. (hide spoiler)]

akacya ❦ wrote: "41% [spoilers removed]"

And I kinda love it! Shipping hard!

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Ch 22
..."

I'm the same about the cards - what is what again?! I can remember the Mirror, the Maiden, the Scythe and the Nightmare, but I have no clue about the rest.
Ione has ch..."

I don't think I ever learned to get them straight! I agree with you about the pacing. I flew through this book and only managed to tear myself from the pages because I had other commitments. It isn't the shortest but would still make a great book to read in a sitting or a day.

akacya ❦ wrote: "75% “"

WHEN I TELL YOU I SCREAMED

Danique wrote: "Part 3 the blood
..."

(view spoiler)[It's like I guessed a lot of the twists here but it also wasn't predictable at the same time? That doesn't make sense but it's how I feel lol. Like, I felt happy that I had predicted things rather than annoyed at how obvious it all felt, even if some parts actually were, because enough was constantly going on for it not to feel too straightforward. I also loved not knowing 100% who to trust, Ione and Elm in particular. (hide spoiler)]

Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished
..."

(view spoiler)[The chalice scene was BRUTAL. I don't think I breathed throughout it, wondering what secrets would be spilled. It broke me a little that Elspeth was forced to reveal her love before she was ready but I thought, at first, that it meant she could keep her infection a secret for longer. Alas... I did like how it forced her to tell Ravyn and Elm her truth though. I was worried they would turn on her but was her own uncle who did that!! I can't wait for book 2! (hide spoiler)]

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Oop I forgot to post my last update lol

Finished
."..."

(view spoiler)[The magic, the mystery, and the romance had me all equally excited too! (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "Danique wrote: "Ch 10
...."

[spoilers removed]"

Yeah same :( (view spoiler)[She seemed like a great character, and it felt like she was already being written off... (hide spoiler)]

Dannii wrote: "Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Ch 22
..."

I'm the same about the cards - what is what again?! I can remember the Mirror, the Maiden, the Scythe and the Nightmare, but I have no clue about the res..."

Completely agree! It was so easy to read and hard to put down haha, I really liked it